Basin Head Fisheries Museum
Overlooking the beautiful Northumberland Strait, Basin Head Fisheries Museum tells the story of the Island’s fishery with displays and exhibits that will take you back in time. Visit the historic Cannery for a glimpse at what the fishing industry really looked like!
There is much to do while at Basin Head. Wander the boardwalk and stroll along the magnificent white “singing” sands. Discover Sun, Sand and Surf, the museum's large gift shop stocked with local crafts and beach essentials. Also on-site is The Scoop for ice cream treats, cold drinks, and a children's play village!
2026 Opening Day - June 1st
Hours of Operation
June - Open Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
July* and August* - Open 7 days a week, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
September* - Open Thursday to Monday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*July 1 - Canada Day - Open
*August 14 - Gold Cup Parade - Open
*September 28 - Last Day 2026 season
Admissions
- Regular Admission (Adults): $12.00
- Seniors, Students, Veterans, Indigenous Peoples: $10.00
- Family (Includes two adults and their children under 18): $36.00
- Children 4 and under: Free
Marine Protected Area Tours are back and bigger than ever!
The Marine Protected Area Tours are back and have been expanded for 2026! This tour is brought to you in proud partnership between the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Souris and Area Wildlife.
This one-hour tour provides the rare opportunity for an immersive experience of one of Canada's Marine Protected Areas. Tour participants will:
- Learn about the natural and human history of the area and how interactions between different groups and the environment have shaped both the landscape and the lives of the different groups that lived in this place over the past thousand years.
- Learn about the threats to the giant Irish moss that only grows in the lagoon and the current efforts to protect it.
- Visit the beach and discover why the famous “Singing Sands” happen.
- Learn about the Mi’kmaq, Celtic and French folklore related to the shore.
- Get a hands-on experience in conservation by pulling a Green Crab trap and learn about the impact of this and other invasive species on delicate ecosystems.
- Make ice cream in the cannery and learn about the mossing industry and the important role that Carrageenan plays in our lives.
- Scroll through an interactive digital kiosk that brings all the information from the tour together
- Visit the gift shop to collect a souvenir of your experience - your very own bottle of "Singing Sand"!
Tour Admission is $20.00 for adults and $12.00 for children (plus tax) and includes complementary admission to the Basin Head Fisheries Museum!
Check out these incredible videos by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada featuring the Marine Protected Area, then come experience it yourself:
- Celebrating 20 years of Basin Head Marine Protected Area
- 360° tour of Basin Head Marine Protected Area!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the visit take?
- Approximately 30-40 minutes. Allow more time if you are also visiting our 1940s Fish Cannery. The only one of its kind in PEI still standing! The Cannery also houses an 'Ice Boat' which brought mail to the Island in the 1800s
- What else can I do during my visit?
- There is an Interactive Kiosk of the Marine Protected Area of Basin Head and beautifully detailed, hand-made Dioramas depicting various types of fishing.
- Is this site family-friendly?
- Yes
- Is this site wheelchair accessible?
- The main level of the Museum and The Cannery are accessible. We offer a digital picture frame showing what is on the upper and lower floors
- Is the space scent-free?
- Yes
- Is the space rainbow-friendly?
- Yes, everyone is welcome!
Passes and Discounts
- Are there passes and special discounts for members?
- Yes, anyone can sign up for a membership! Our members enjoy 10% off at our gift shops and unlimited access to our 7 sites located across the Island
- What other sites can I visit?
- Nearby Sites: Elmira Railway Museum (seasonal). Located a 10-minute drive from Basin Head Fisheries Museum. We operate 7 unique sites across PEI, each offering different experiences. Find out more here!
Events and Exhibits
Visit our Events and Exhibits page
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